The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-03-28
PEACE TERMS DURING THE WAR.

caused considerable comment at the time of
its occurrence. The incident referred to was
a visit made to Richmond by Colonel Jacques
and Mr.. j. r. Gilmore for the purpose Of con-
ferring with Jefferson Davis in regard to
terms of peace. In 1864 there was pretty
strong peace feeling prevalent in some quar-
tiers. The war had been going on more than
three years at immense cost Of lives and |
The resources of the North, though far from |
exhausted, had been heavily drawn upon. |
The patriotism of the people was fully equal
to the prosecution of the war, and the general
feeling was that it must and should be prose-
cuted to a successful conclusion-in other
words that the rebellion must and should be
put down. Nevertheless. feeling of dis
couragement prevailed to some extent and
growing out of it desire for peace. Presi-
dent Lincoln took notice Of this, as he did of
every phase of popular feeling, and treated it
respectfully. No doubt he would himself
have been glad to have had the war brought to
an end at that time, or at any time before, if
it could have been done in a manner and on
terms consistent with the honor, rights and
integrity Of the government In July, 1864,
Col. James F. jacques, of the Seventy
eighth Illinois regiment, and Mr.. j. Il.
Gilmore proposed to visit Richmond and
confer with Jefferson Davis relative to terms
of peace. There is no reason to doubt that
their motives were entirely honorable and
patriotic. The step was voluntary on their
part, and while there is no reason to believe
that Mr.. Lincoln expected anything to come
of it, he encouraged the mission and gave
Messrs. jacques and Gilmore confidential in
structons and a pass through the federal
lines. They also obtained note from Gen
eral Grant to General Lee, requesting the lat
ter to allow them to meet Col. Robert Ould
Commissioner for the exchange of prisoners,
armies as General Lee might indicate, or if
that could not he done to put them in COM
munication with Jefferson Davis. The gen
tlemen were passed on to Richmond, and
through the Confederate Secretary of State,
succeeded in having two personal interviews
with Davis. 1t should be stated that Messrs.
jacques and Gilmore distinctly disavowed any
official authority, stating, however that they
were fully possessed of the views of the gov
eminent relative to an adjustment of pending
differences and that they visited Richmond
as private citizens, hoping that free inter
change of views between themselves and Mr..
Davis might result in opening the way for ne
gotiations that would lead to peace. After
their return North Mr.. Gilmore published a
statement in regard to their conference with
Mr.. Davis, which, as part of historical rem
iniscence is worth reprinting. We quote:
"Gilmore-Well, sir, be that as it may, if I
understand you, the dispute between your
government and ours is narrowed down to this,
union or disunion2
''Davis-Yes; or, to put it in other words,
independence or subjugation.
"Gilmore-Then the two governments are
irreconcilably apart. They have no alterna-
tive but to fight it out. But it is not so with
the people. They are tired of fighting and
want peace; and, as they bear all the burden
and suffering of the war, is it not right they
should have peace, and have it on such terms
as they lke2
"Davis-I do not understand you; be a little
more explicit.
"Gilmore-Well, suppose the two govern
ments should agree to something like this:
To 90 to the people with two propositions,
say peace with disunion and Southern indie
pendence as your proposition, and peace with
union. emancipation, no coniscation, and
universal amnesty as ours. Let the citizens
of all the United States Gas they existed be-
fore the war; vote yes mo- on these two
propositions at a special election within sixty
days. If a majority votes disunion, our gov
eminent to be bound by it. and to let YOU &C
in peace. If majority votes union, yours te
be bound by it, and to stay in peace. The
two governments contract in this way
and the people, though constitutionally I'M
able to decide on peace or war, can elect
r which of the two propositions shall govern
: their rulers. Let Lee and Grant meanwhile
agree to an armstice. This would sheaths
the sword; and, if once sheathed. it would
j never be drawn again by this generation.
"Davis-The plan is altogether impractica
! BILE. If the South were only one State i
: might work; but, as it is, if one southern
State objected to emancipation it would multi
| ~ the Wnoie tnlDS; TOT you are aware the PEG
pie of Virginia cannot vote slavery out OF
South Carolina, nor the people of South Caro-
: lima vote it out of Virginia.
"Gilmore-But hree-fourths of the States
: can amend the Constitution. Let it be don
e in that way; in any way so that it be don
. by the people. / am not a statesman or
: politician, and do not know just how such
i plan could be carried out but you get tn
r ;dea- that the people should decide the ques
ton.
"Davis-That the majority shall decide it
f you meant We decided to rid ourselves o
= the rule of the majority, and this would sub
ject us to it again.
"Gilmore-But the majority must rul
l "a 49, ~ hill ILL